Equinox Summit: Energy 2030

The Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 is an international conference that took place from June 5 to 9, 2011 in Waterloo, Ontario . The summit was presented by the Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI) to develop scientific and technological solutions for the world’s current energy situation. [1] It examines the present state of energy production , distribution, and storage , and then sets benchmarks for where we need to be in the year 2030 to ensure global energy needs are met in a sustainable fashion.

Blueprint

The Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 aims to produce a blueprint detailing what should be done to accelerate the development of alternative, non-carbon producing sources of energy. [2] The blueprint will provide recommended technologies and implementation strategies for future scientific investment. The blueprint will focus on energy production, distribution, and storage. This blueprint is ready to be released in the year-long global phase that follows the Equinox Summit: Energy 2030.

Summit Format

The core of the Equinox Summit: Energy 2030, where a team of seasoned advisors, a quorum of scientific experts in collaboration with a forum of next-generation leaders will discuss the recommendations and implementation strategies .

Equinox Communiqué to a group of policymakers, science and technology influencers, and media. [3]

Quorum

The quorum consisted of a panel of scientific experts representing different energy production, distribution, and storage. They will present and discuss their visions for solutions that will lead to viable sources of low-carbon energy . The Quorum will work towards a 20-year-old school of technology.

Forum

A Forum of international, emerging leaders in public policy, industry and civil society. The Forum further examined the Quorum’s findings and proposes their own recommendations for implementing the technologies proposed.

Advisors

A panel of advisors advised the Quorum on how to accelerate the research and implementation of future technologies. These advisors are public policy experts, investors and entrepreneurs who are experienced in political and economic aspects of energy, industry leaders, and government figures.

Public Engagement and Accessibility

The Summit provided avenues for public engagement through daily readings and panel discussions that focus on energy literacy and other key issues that inform the energy dialogue globally. [4] All public events were streamed live online, broadcast on television, and are archived for future on-demand viewing at wgsi.org.